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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 22, 2020 7:53:55 GMT -5
Chapter 17
Nika felt very relaxed and lay back in the bed with a smile on her face. She could feel the warmth of Josh's body in the bed next to her and this made her feel very safe and relaxed, compared to sleeping on the plane or her own room. "Good morning, Night Owl. We ought to get up before your Dad and uncles wake you up", he said.
Nika sat up in bed and a dull blush formed on her cheeks when she saw that Josh had gotten up and was still naked, a nervous giggle escaping her lips. "After last night, you're still shy? It's cute", he chuckled.
She took a deep breath and lifted the covers off of her body as she got out of bed. Josh looked at her hungrily and his brown eyes were almost golden with desire as a crooked grin formed on his face. "You're beautiful, Nika Lacroix", he murmured.
"I hope Dad doesn't kick your ass", she muttered.
Josh burst into laughter. "Me neither, but John is one of my best friends. Let's take a shower and get you back to your room", he said.'
Nika hummed to herself as she got dressed after taking a shower with Josh. Her dress was still in good shape but Josh had lent her a pair of his crotch pants and a Hendrix t-shirt which surprisingly fit pretty good as they were both slim and nearly the same height as Josh handed her a comb. "My hair is easy to comb, I suppose curly hair is harder to manage. And you look better in my clothes than I do", he teased.
"Ha, we're about the same height and we're both slim. It is, but both Dad and I have the same curly hair. It runs in the family", she laughed.
Josh sat on the bed and watched as Nika brushed her long curly dark h air. From this vantage point, he could see her slim figure enveloped in the baggy clothes. The sight of Nika wearing his own clothes was powerfully arousing and he was grateful to be wearing baggy sweatpants and an extra long t-shirt as he tried to think of stuff like baseball statistics and musical notation instead. The morning sun coming in through the window brought out the auburn highlights in her dark brown hair. "You have red highlights in your hair, I just noticed it", he said.
"So does Dad, apparently it runs in the Frusciante family. Grandpa had the same hair before he got gray and bald", she laughed.
"Hah, awesome. Everyone on both sides of my family have straight brown hair and brown eyes, which is boring", he said with a shrug.
"I have brown hair myself, and I like your brown eyes. They have gorgeous golden highlights", she said.
"Thanks, I never had girls compliment my eyes before", he chuckled.
"Have you have any girls compliment you?", she asked, a hint of jealousy in her voice.
Josh laughed as he got up from the bed and put his arms around her waist, brushing her hair away so he could kiss her throat. "You have no reason to be jealous, Nika. Girls wouldn't go out with me in high school and women rarely come to Dot Hacker shows. I didn't start dating regularly until I was in my mid-20's, I lost my virginity when I was 22 and I was blind drunk. So believe me, I'm no Casanova, unlike your uncles", he teased.
"Hah, I know about Uncle Anthony's reputation, I read his book. But seriously, we have to meet the others", she said.
Nika finished brushing her hair and gathered up her dress and shoes from the night before. "I like your hair better in the French twist", he said with a grin.
"But not now", she reminded him.
Nika got her clutch purse and Josh took her hand as he led her out the door. John had just left his room when he saw them, his hazel eyes going to their intertwined hands and noticed she was wearing Josh's baggy clothes, her flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes as understanding dawned on his face. "Good morning, Dad", she said.
"Good morning, Nika. I'll meet you guys downstairs", he said.
John was about to get in the elevator but didn't touch the button. "Nika, you ought to go downstairs. I need to talk with Josh", he said.
Nika had a sinking suspicion in the pit of her stomach as John led Josh towards the older man's room. She took a deep breath and pushed the button to go downstairs, hoping her father wasn't angry and no one got hurt.
Josh said nothing as John led him inside the room and handed a coffee. "Josh, tell me. How do you feel about my daughter?", he asked.
Josh sipped his coffee. "John, i like Nika very much. When I first met her years ago, she was a gawky little kid. But now she's blossomed into a beautiful woman, I noticed this on the session where she played the clarinet on our song. I like her, I like her a lot", he replied.
John sipped his coffee, a thoughtful look in his hazel eyes. "I know, you two slept tighter, but I just want to know where you two stand. Nika has never dated anyone before, and she's naïve about relationships. If this is just a fling, break it off right now or you'll break her heart", said John with a growl.
"John, I've never seen you angry like this before. But this is not a fling, Nika is a wonderful girl. Ever since I saw her at your studio and heard her play clarinet, I couldn't get her out of my mind. And being on tour with her made me realize that she is an awesome girl and I don't want to let her go. With your permission, John, I want Nika to be my girlfriend", said Josh.
John sighed, seeing the sincerity on the younger man's face. "Josh, I've known you for as long as I've known my daughter. You guys are among my favorite people in the world, and I would like very much if you were my daughter's boyfriend", he said, clapping him on the back.
Josh grinned from ear to ear and his cheeks flushed pink. "I'm glad to hear that, John. Now I ought to tell my girlfriend that her Dad isn't going to kick my ass", he joked.
John laughed as the two men finished their coffee and left the room. Nika was downstairs nursing a coffee as she looked worriedly at her father. "Nika, I was surprised that you guys slept together last night. But I can't judge since I partied a lot in my younger days and did a lot worse things. I just wanted to let you know that I've decided not to beat up your boyfriend", said John with a grin.
Nika burst into laughter as she hugged her father. "Thanks, Dad", she said.
"I want my daughter to be happy, and Josh is one of my best friends. I'm glad to know my daughter and my best friend are dating", he said.
Josh took her into his arms and kissed her fiercely. "Your Dad likes me, Night Owl. I can't wait to introduce my new girlfriend to your uncles", he laughed.
"Well, it's about time, you lovebirds. Looks like Daddy finally gave his permission", teased Anthony when he saw Josh and Nika holding her hands.
"We knew it was a matter of time, you guys make a sweet couple", added Flea.
"Congratulations on finding a very cool boyfriend", teased Clara, giving her a hug.
"Guys, let's leave the lovebirds alone and get breakfast. We got soundcheck later", said Chad.
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Post by Tim on Oct 22, 2020 11:21:49 GMT -5
Aw, what a sweet scene.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 24, 2020 9:57:28 GMT -5
Chapter 18
Josh was pleasantly surprised when he passed the dressing room backstage at the arena and heard Nika playing clarinet. Unlike other times where she had played jazz, this time he recognized the lovely yet understated melody of Desecration Smile. He carefully opened the door and saw Nika with her back to him as she played, her long fingers manipulating th e keys on the clarinet and her long hair swaying as she played. "That was excellent, I never knew you could play any of the songs", he said once she was finished.
"Not most of them, but some of the slower songs I can arrange for clarinet", she said, pointing to a notebook of music pages.
Josh realized they were notations on Desecration Smile arranged for clarinet, handwritten. "You read music?", he asked in awe.
"Yeah, it's my sixth language", she quipped.
Josh read the musical notation and noticed the slight differences. "I just substituted the appropriate notes for those I can't play, transcribing from guitar to clarinet", she explained.
"Play it again", he whispered.
Nika saw the intense look in his brown eyes and did a few breathing exercises before playing Desecration Smile. Josh stood quietly and listened as she played the familiar song, sounding more mournful and in depth than the more popular recording. "Why don't you play for your Dad and uncles", he asked.
Nika blushed. "I don't play for anyone except Dad, I got picked on in school for being in the school band, the only other girl was the pianist", she replied.
"That sucks, playing music is awesome no matter the instrument. High school sucks", he muttered.
"What about bassoon or tuba?', she teased.
"Hah, even those. But seriously, you ought to show your Dad and uncles. It's really good, and it's amazing you can play Desecration Smile on clarinet", he said.
"It's a ballad so that's easier to play on clarinet than a faster song. I don't think Give It Away would sound good on clarinet", she joked.
Josh chuckled and watched as she carefully placed the clarinet back in its case. "You really ought to show your Dad and uncles, it would be an amazing addition to the song", he said.
"I don't know, I'll think about it", she stammered.
"Nika, this is not high school. I'm sure the fans would love it", he said reassuringly.
Nika's fingers shook as she tried to close the clasps on the clarinet case. "Josh, in high school, I was first chair clarinet in the band. During the school end of the year concert in my senior year, I was a soloist. I played Lady Be Good, the Artie Shaw arrangement. I'd practiced for weeks, I wanted to nail it. I did my solo and played best I could, l didn't miss a note and played the high parts", she said.
Nika took a deep breath before resuming. "The song speeds up at the end and there's some really high notes. I was so into playing and blew so hard, the top buttons of my shirt popped open and I didn't realize it when I took a bow at the end. Next day at school, girls spread a rumor that I deliberately flashed the audience", she whispered.
"That was an accident, Nika. You were so intense and you didn't do it deliberately, fuck those bitches", he growled.
Nika was taken aback by the anger and intensity in his brown eyes, the golden highlights very pronounced. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. But I mean it, you played great and that's all those bitches cared about, pardon my language. Play it", he ordered softly.
Nika saw the encouraging look he gave her and returned his smile. She reopened the case and took out the clarinet, checking the reed and then playing a few notes before playing Lady Be Good.
Josh sat in a chair and watched his girlfriend play, seeing her slim fingers as they manipulated the keys. The tone was higher pitched than when she did Desecration Smile and she blew furiously into the mouthpiece as the tempo and pitch increased further into the song. By the time she finished playing, her face was read and her blue eyes flashed but there was an unmistakable look of pride on her face. "That was amazing!", he exclaimed.
John entered the room, an astonished look and proud smile on his face. "Nika, I haven't heard that in years! Ever since that concert in high school", he said.
"Thank Josh, he wanted to hear it", she said.
"I remember that concert in high school, I was so proud of her. But she told me about the buttons, those girls had to ruin it for her. I didn't notice, I was so proud of her", said John.
"John, you should ask the guys to hear this", said Josh as Nika giggled nervously.
John raised an eyebrow but he texted the rest of the band. "John, what's up?", asked Flea.
Josh smiled at Nika and kissed her cheek. "She has something to show you guys. You can do it, Night Owl", he said with an encouraging smile.
Nika took a deep breath and blew into the mouthpiece a few times before she played Desecration Smile on the clarinet. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the music, her fingers on the keys controlling the tone. When it finished, her heart sank when they were all still and quiet. Then John slowly clapped and the others joined in until it sounded like a standing ovation. "Wow, that was amazing! John always said you were great at playing the clarinet, but not like this", said Flea, as the others nodded.
"Nika, that was just, wow. I want you to come onstage tonight and play Desecration Smile", said Anthony.
Nika giggled and her face turned bright red. "Don't worry, Nika. The fans are going to love it", said Chad.
"I'm just concerned about social media", she whispered.
"Don't worry, haters gonna hate. I can't wait to hear you do Desecration Smile with us tonight", said Anthony, giving her a hug.
"This is going to be an amazing addition to the show, I've played trumpet onstage but this is the first time we're going to have a clarinet with us. This is going to be awesome", said Flea excitedly.
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Post by Tim on Oct 24, 2020 11:05:03 GMT -5
Nika is very talented, I see.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 24, 2020 12:01:00 GMT -5
Nika is very talented, I see. She is, she’s been playing clarinet since she was a child and reads music. However she doesn’t like to perform in public due to an incident in high school where she accidentally flashed the audience after taking a bow when the top buttons came loose. Until Josh hears her perform, she wouldn’t play in public.
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Post by Tim on Oct 24, 2020 23:25:47 GMT -5
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 26, 2020 7:00:14 GMT -5
Chapter 19
Nika and Clara watched from backstage as the band came onstage and the roar of the crowd washed over them like the mating call of a herd of dinosaurs. Unlike other times she'd watched the band, Nika knew that sometime during the show, she would be onstage playing with them. Clara gave her a reassuring smile and Nika returned it, her clarinet case open as the smooth black wood shone in the backstage lights. Nika was dressed soberly in black trousers and a black and white striped t-shirt with a black blazer over it, her shiny black patent leather wingtips catching the lights of the stage.
She tried to calm herself and concentrated on the show. From her vantage point, she had a clear view of her father and Josh performing as she watched intently. Her father's intensity and passion while playing was such a contrast to his soft-spoken, chilled-out demeanor but she couldn't keep her eyes off of Josh. Unlike the others, he wore a baggy black t-shirt which exposed his thin, tattoo-less arms and his brown hair flopped around his face. His long, thin fingers manipulated the guitar and the action made her blush and giggle when she remembered the night before.
"We have got a real surprise for you beautiful people tonight in Perth. There's a lovely lady who's been part of the family for over ten years, and who is super talented and a very sweet girl. She's kind of shy so I want you all to make her feel welcome. May I present to you John's daughter and our niece Nika Lacroix", said Anthony.
Nika took a deep breath and walked onstage carrying her clarinet. There was a buzz in the crowd as 20,000 pairs of eyes focused on the tall, dark-haired woman in her simple black and white ensemble as John gave her an encouraging smile before playing the intro to Desecration Smile.
Nika placed the the bell of the clarinet about a foot away from the microphone and began to play. She closed her eyes to concentrate on the song and followed the melody by the sound of the guitars as she played the part she had transcribed for the clarinet, playing a lower register as a counterpoint to the guitars during the verse and higher during the chorus. The crowd was quiet as the music floated over them and focused on the woman playing the clarinet.
When the song ended, applause slowly gained steam until the entire arena was clapping. Nika stood straight and wide-eyed at center stage with a nervous little grin on her face. "Take a bow, Nika!", yelled John, a proud smile on his face.
Nika blushed as she took a bow, the smile on her face slowly growing until it stretched from ear to ear. "Give a hand to John's daughter and our niece, Nika! You knocked 'em dead, girl", said Anthony as John gave her a hug.
Nika walked on shaky legs backstage with the grin still plastered on her face. "You were amazing, NIka!", exclaimed Clara as she hugged her.
"I was so nervous, I don't know how Dad does it. But I closed my eyes and tuned it out while i was playing", said Nika with a nervous giggle.
"The crowd loved you, Nika. This isn't that high school concert, those girls were jealous", said Clara.
Nika was still riding high when the band came backstage after the encore. John gave her a hug and Josh put his arms around her waist and kissed her hard, much to everyone's amusement. "I told you people would love you, Night Owl!", he exclaimed.
"The last time I played in front of our audience was in high school", she giggled.
"This is much bigger than high school. And don't listen to the jerks on social media, I went through the same thing", he said.
Josh drank some water water and gave her one more kiss before heading towards the showers. Clara smiled knowingly at the slightly dazed look on her face, putting an arm around her shoulders. "Josh has got it bad for you", she teased.
"Dad just had a talk with him, I was really concerned but everything worked out", said Nika.
"My dad never had that talk with my boyfriends, he's not that kind of guy. I imagine he might be more protective of Sunny since she's the baby", laughed Clara.
Soon the road crew dismantled the equipment for the next show in Melbourne. "The best way to see Australian would be to take a train across the country, flying in the middle of the night you can't see anything", said Clara as they prepared to board the plane.
"I guess I'm not familiar with Australia. Maybe one day", Nika mused aloud.
She was going to sit next to John but he just shooed her away, an amused gleam in his hazel eyes. "Are you ditching me for an older guy?", teased Josh as he hugged her from behind.
"I just wanted to go over the performance, but don't you sit with the band?", she asked.
"Josh, go sit next to your girl so she doesn't feel jealous", laughed Chad.
Josh just laughed as he led her towards the empty seats. "Sorry about that, Night Owl. I just want to be around you, since we're going to be playing and doing soundcheck", he said.
Nika sat next to him and sighed when he put his arms around her waist and kissed the top of her head. "I'm all new to this, it's all this soft, fluffy feeling. I have no idea how to have a relationship", she said.
"Relationships aren't work, they're supposed to be fun, at least at first. I guess after a while, you have to work at it so you're not bored and break up", said Josh.
"How many girlfriends have you have had?", she asked.
"Real ones? Only two, my first girlfriend I met at a show I did with Bicycle Thief in Venice Beach, we were together for three years. I was single for a year and then I met my next girlfriend at an art gallery during my friend's exhibition, we were together two years. I've had a few random dates here and there, but it's been six months since I had a date since I've been busy", he replied.
"Okay, so you can teach me how to be a girlfriend", she teased.
"Haha, there's nothing to it. We just need to be faithful to each other and enjoy each other's company. I'm actually going to do my first gallery show in January at the Night Watch, I want you be my date", he said.
"Of course, I've seen your album covers with Dot Hacker", she replied.
Josh grinned and softly kissed her. "I want my girl to cheer me on, there's some amazing artists in LA. Dot Hacker is also playing, we've played a lot of art galleries", he chuckled.
Soon the plane was airborne and flying eastwards towards Melbourne. Nika started feeling drowsy as she relaxed in his embrace and closed her eyes. Josh held her close and kissed the top of her head and then her cheek. "Good night, my Night Owl", he murmured.
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Post by Tim on Oct 26, 2020 11:37:39 GMT -5
Glad that it went well for her.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Oct 31, 2020 19:44:24 GMT -5
Chapter 20
"You should have seen what people are saying on Youtube, they love it", said Clara the band did soundcheck.
"Really? But it isn't their musical style", she protested.
"Yeah, but that's why they love it. The video already has a lot of likes", said Clara.
Nika searched for the video on Youtube and was surprised by how many views it had. Her cheeks turned pink when she read the comments, many of which complimented her playing and few which said she was hot. "Don't listen to those sorts of comments, some are just gross. Besides, I think Josh is the only guy you want to call you hot", teased Clara as Nika blushed.
"Clara, are you teasing my girlfriend?", laughed Josh as he handed his guitar over to one of the techs.
"The internet loves your girlfriend, the video from the last show has gone viral", said Clara.
"Awesome, are you all right, Night Owl?", asked Josh, a concerned look in his brown eyes.
"I'm not used to being noticed, I tend to stay off the radar. There's other clarinetists who are better", she fretted.
Josh put his arms around her and kissed her softly. "Don't say that, Nika Lacroix. You are very talented and you shouldn't put yourself down like that", he said.
"It's a bad habit, Mom was very critical. She was hard to please, it's hard to shake that habit", she replied quietly.
"I get it, but you can't be putting yourself down so much. We think your playing is awesome", said Josh.
He looked thoughtful for a moment. "My parents didn't like it when I quit high school to become a musician, but they learned to accept it. I knew high school was a waste of time, but later I did get my GED. Sometimes we have to do what's best for us, and not what our parents want", he said.
"How do your parents feel now?", she asked.
"Mom and Dad are proud of me now, I hated school and the other kids picked on me for being skinny and playing guitar. I had to do what was right for me", he said.
Nika relaxed in his arms and her eyes looked deep in thought. "Nika, what do you really want to do?", he asked.
"I have the family tradition to uphold, I'm studying Classics", she replied softly.
"But what do you really want?", he asked.
"I have the family tradition to uphold, I'm studying Classics", she repeated in a monotone.
Josh's blood ran cold at the tone of her voice, her blue eyes flat and dull like hard plastic buttons. "Nika, you're scaring me", he said softly.
"Mom always said I have to maintain the tradition. Women aren't stupid, I have to show everyone", she muttered.
"Nika, your mom isn't here. What do you really want?", he asked.
"Children want things, adults have duties. I can't lose control", she mumbled in a dull monotone.
Josh was alarmed as he grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her in the eye. To his dismay, her eyes were a dull flat dark blue like buttons on a rag doll. 'Stop it, Nika!", he exclaimed.
"You don't understand! I have a family tradition to uphold, the Lacroix are all brilliant academics. I can't let them down", she whispered.
Josh was alarmed and confused by her words. Just a few minutes earlier, they had been talking normally and now she was acting like a very scared robot. Nika got loose from his embrace and ran towards the dressing room as John restrained him. "Leave her alone for a while, she needs to calm down", he said.
"She was frightened, something about a family tradition", said Josh in confusion.
John sighed and said something to his guitar tech, who came back several minutes later with a silver cigarette case and matching lighter with an enameled infinity symbol on both. "It's not time for my third cigarette but today I make an exception", he said. He opened the case and took out a Dunhill and lit it with the lighter, taking a drag and exhaling. "I smoke three a day, down from two packs when I got out of rehab. This'll be a while", he sighed.
John took another drag before talking. "The Lacroix family is well known in historical circles for their scholarship, teaching at major colleges and writing big-ass books. Her grandpa is actually really cool and so is her grandma, but her mother Zoe was the problem, she did it to herself. Classics is still a male-dominated field", he said, taking another drag.
"But what does that have to do with Nika?", he asked.
"Zoe felt like she had to be better than everyone else in order to prove herself. I think she really pressured Nika as a kid to do extremely well in her studies, remember what a serious little kid she was? We'll talk with her in a few minutes", said John.
Josh fidgeted as he watched John smoke, trying to restraint the urge to shove the cigarette out of his mouth. It seemed as though John was taking his sweet time with smoking his cigarette, taking at least a minute between drags. Finally John finished his cigarette and dropped it in an empty Styrofoam cup. "i just needed a smoke to calm myself, I can forego the after dinner one today. Nika is usually very calm, but when she gets angry, watch out", he said ruefully.
The two men went to the dressing room. Nika was slumped over on the couch with her legs tucked under her. At her feet was the clarinet case with the instrument shining dully in the fluorescent light. Surrounding the clarinet were thin beige strips with ragged edges, which on closer inspection were clarinet reeds. "I can't play tonight, no reeds", she whispered.
"We can ask one of the techs to buy some", replied John reassuringly.
Nika looked up, her blue eyes a dull dark blue and red from anguish. "You don't understand, Dad. I broke the reeds. I can't go onstage tonight, that's the first step towards ruining the family tradition", she muttered.
"But you love playing!", Josh exclaimed.
Nika looked at him with a sad little smile, the edges of her lips trembling. "Mom died before finishing her Doctorate, she was in the middle of translating a Minoan document into ancient Greek, and then into English. Only about ten people in the world can decipher Minoan, she was one of two who wasn't Greek. I have to finish her work", she said quietly.
Josh had mixed feelings running through him. On the one hand, he understood now what she meant by family tradition and her mother's legacy. On the other hand, he was horrified by her breaking the reeds and her withdrawn appearance. "Wow, then your mom's work was something really important. But that doesn't mean you have to withdraw from people, from art and joy. I love you, Nika Sophia Lacroix, and I want you to be happy", he said, giving her a hug.
Nika burst into tears and leaned against him as Josh continued to hold her. "I'm sorry, Dad, Josh. I had Mom's voice in my head saying music was a distraction", she whispered.
"Zoe is dead now, Nika. And the crowd loved you last night, you can both study Classics and be a musician", said Josh.
Nika calmed down and snuggled into his arms. "I'm sorry, Josh", she whispered.'
Josh held her close and kissed the top of her head. "Don't apologize, Night Owl. I had no idea what you meant by family tradition, I thought your Mom was just a college professor. But translating something from Minoan to Greek to English sounds amazing, I couldn't do that. But you can still play music and study, be well-rounded. And I mean it, I am seriously falling for you, my blue-eyed Night Owl", he murmured.
Nika giggled and her cheeks were pink, but her lips twitched upwards in a smile. "Wow, I think I love you too, Josh", she whispered.
Josh beamed as he leaned over and kissed her softly. "Don't think, feel. Thinking is for the classics, feeling is for love and for music", he said.
John grinned when he saw his two favorite people embracing on the couch. "Josh, you could be a poet. But seriously Nika, Josh is right. Think all you want with your studies, but feel when it comes to love and music", he said.
Nika frowned when she saw the broken reeds. "Dad, could you ask someone to get some new reeds?", she asked shyly.
"Sure, but remember", he said as he dialed a number on his phone.
"Sorry to interrupt you lovebirds, but we got a soundcheck to finish", said Flea, poking his head in the doorway.
"All right, thanks for the heads up", said John.
Josh helped her up from the couch and put an arm around her waist, kissing her cheek. "I was so worried there, Nika. If something bothers you, tell us. Don't keep it bottled up", he said.
"It'll be a hard habit to break, but I'll try", she replied.
"Try your best, Night Owl", he said, kissing her lips.
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Post by Tim on Oct 31, 2020 23:34:49 GMT -5
Nika went all Stepford here!
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Nov 1, 2020 8:49:33 GMT -5
I wanted to show more of her background, her mom was in a field dominated by men and thought she had to be better at it to be taken seriously. She passed that on to Nika so that’s why she freaked, she thought playing live music was a distraction and had a meltdown.
Chapter 21
"YouTube is blowing up with your videos, Nika. People love your playing, it's so different but very cool", said Clara as the plane landed in Sydney.
"I don't know how to feel, I don't want to be famous someone other than Dad likes my playing", she mused aloud.
"Attention for doing great is a positive thing, much better than being on an MTV reality show. Maybe you can get some gigs as a session musician", Clara suggested.
"Like doing movie scores?", asked Nika, intrigued.
"Yeah, not necessarily big films but indie ones. You can make money and get exposure", she said.
"Clara's right, I started out as a session musician and it helped me get my foot in the door", added Josh.
"I know, you were playing with all these bands and with Dad too", said Nika.
"Yeah, if you can play lots of different stuff, you get more gigs. I know some people", he said.
"I don't want to take advantage of you", she protested.
"Don't worry, I'm just helping out my girlfriend", said Josh, kissing her cheek.
Since it wasn't yet midnight when they arrived, Josh suggested they go out. John just smiled and gave her a hug as she went off with Josh, Clara going to her room since she claimed she had a headache. "She doesn't want to be the third wheel", he chuckled.
"I have no idea about Sydney, except about the bridge and the opera house", said Nika.
"I've been here a few times with the group, and with Gnarls Barkley. Brian and Cee-Lo took me to this underground dance club where the music was amazing, the DJ was spinning vintage Detroit techno. Let me check if they're open", said Josh as he took out his phone.
"Okay, they're open. Don't worry, I didn't take Ecstasy. I don't trust that stuff, John and i did go to raves back in the day after he got sober, he wouldn't bother with that stuff", said Josh.
Josh took her hand and led her downtown. The city was still up and vibrant as many neon lights blared and music seemed to come from every open door, touts trying to grab people and pull them inside. Josh led her towards a building which appeared to look like an old warehouse except guarded by a huge muscular guy with a shaved head. The big man's face lit up when he saw Josh as he let them in. "He recognized me from my previous time here", he explained.
A small corridor led into the massive interior of the club. The building had once been an old warehouse and the two levels of floors had been renovated so that it was now a big, cavernous empty space with lights up on the high ceiling that twinkled pastel lights on the crowd below. A DJ in a booth suspended above the crowd spun vintage Chicago house with its trademark squelching Roland basslines. The dancers were a motley group of older fans from the 80's, college students, hipsters and some very confused teenagers who were trying to dance to the unfamiliar music.
Josh led her out onto the dance floor and at first Nika was self-conscious since she had never danced to this before. He gave her an encouraging smile and started to dance, ,just moving along to the beat. Nika realized that none of the dancers were moving in formal steps and just moved along to the beat as she began to dance, moving her body along with the music. Josh gave her a thumbs-up and Nika smiled at her boyfriend while they danced. In spite of him being tall and skinny and wearing baggy clothes, Josh was completely unselfconscious as he danced, a grin on his face and his brown eyes sparkling.
Soon Nika began to let go of her self-consciousness and danced with more abandon as Josh laughed with delight. The music switched over to jungle as the deep bass seemed to throb from the speakers. Nika started dancing in a more sensual manner instead of shuffling and spinning as Josh's brown eyes turned golden with desire.
Nika was startled when Josh took her hand and led her away from the dance floor. She would have protested but the look of desire in his eyes made her understand. "I don't want to make a scene, Night Owl", he groaned.
It seemed as though it took forever to get back to the hotel but the two of them managed to look calm when they entered the lobby. The elevator seemed to take forever coming down and to their dismay, an old lady got on with them. They tried to remain calm when the elevator stopped at every floor to to pick up or let off passengers. Nika took a deep breath and remained calm when Josh squeezed her hand gently and rubbed circles on her palm with his thumb. The little touch sent a jolt of desire through her and she struggled to control the flush creeping up her cheeks.
Finally the elevator arrived at their floor and Josh took her hand to lead her to his room. To their relief, no one was up and about in the lobby as he opened the door. Nika shivered at the lust in his brown eyes as pulled her into his arms and kissed her lips. She groaned against his lips and her fingers tangled in the loose strands of brown hair at the nape of his neck. Josh groaned and deepened the kiss as his tongue parted her lips, his big hands on her waist.
Josh reluctantly broke the kiss and led her over to the bed. "First, take off the hat", she ordered, an amused look in her blue eyes.
"Of course, Night Owl", he said gallantly.
Josh removed his black beanie as his brown hair stuck out from the static. "Grandmere says you need a haircut", she laughed.
"So does my grandma, but I like having long hair", he chuckled.
Josh joined her on the bed and kissed her while his deft fingers unbuttoned her blouse. His lips left hers and moved lower down her throat as she moaned, her fingers running through his hair. "You like that?", he murmured.
"Yeah, it's my sensitive spot", she replied softly.
Nika saw how desire had turned his eyes a vivid golden-brown. Not a word was said as they finished undressing each other and their lips and hands roamed each other's bodies. Soft moans echoed in the room and sheets rustled on the bed. Nika sighed as she clung to him as he softly nuzzled her throat, his arms around her waist. 'We should move in together, I don't want us to be apart", he whispered.
"I live in the dorm, and I don't want Dad to get lonely with just the cats", she replied.
"I forgot, but I understand. It's the endorphins talking. We'll talk to John, since I live just a few houses away. Maybe we can hook up your Dad with someone", he chuckled.
"But who? Dad has been celibate since the 90's", she asked.
Josh kissed the top of her head. "Maybe with one of my artist friends, he might go for that. Or a mail-order bride", he joked.
"Hah, but I don't want him to get hurt", she warned.
"John is my best friend, I don't want him to get hurt either", he said.
"How are we talking about my Dad's sex life?", she giggled.
"Or lack thereof. We'll see if we can hook up John. But now, let's get some sleep", said Josh, turning off the light.
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Post by Tim on Nov 1, 2020 12:05:42 GMT -5
What's wrong with cats
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Nov 1, 2020 12:13:06 GMT -5
What's wrong with cats LOL, it’s that her dad would be living with three cat and the housekeeper if she moved out. That’s why they want to find him a girlfriend, but he’s both celibate and eccentric
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Post by Tim on Nov 1, 2020 17:08:27 GMT -5
Ah, I see.
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Post by ladyfiaran22 on Nov 2, 2020 14:36:38 GMT -5
Chapter 22
"This is the last stop on our Far East and Antipodean tour, we wish you happy retirement and good wishes in whatever you do wit that studio of yours", said Flea as everyone held up a glass of Pellegrino
"Thanks, guys. Josh and I are almost finished with our album and then I can stat mastering it, I'll have the cats for company since my daughter is going back to college and Josh is going on a tour with Dot Hacker", said John.
Nika drank from her glass of Pellegrino and watched the band get read for soundcheck at the arena in Auckland. They had arrived too late that night to do sightseeing and it rained all morning, making it impossible to do anything today. She saw that after the show there was an end of tour party and then they would fly back to LA, wondering if her and Josh could come back in the future to see the country.
"Everyone I know who's been to New Zealand says it's a gorgeous country, but maybe we can visit another time", Josh mused aloud.
They sat together in pleasant silence for a few minutes. "Hey, since there's two weeks before your classes stat and before I go on tour with Dot Hacker, we can visit our families. We can visit your grandparents in Palm Springs and then we can fly to New York to see my parents, they live up in New Paltz", he suggested.
"Sure, I've been to New York City but not upstate New York. Yeah, I'll just have to tell Dad. Have you told your parents about us?", she asked.
"Yeah, they're glad I have a girlfriend. They were concerned since I didn't have a girlfriend for so long, they're glad about it. Since my Dad is Jewish and my Mom is Christian, they're really chill about whom I date", he chuckled.
"Does your family celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?", she asked.
"Christmas, but only in a really generic way. Neither Mom or Dad are particularly religious, Mom's family is Irish and from Queens and Dad's family are German Jews from Queens too. So I wasn't raised in any sort of faith tradition", he replied with a shrug.
"My mother's family are Catholic, Pepere and Grandmere are quite Catholic. Grandmere thought you were handsome, but need a haircut", she teased.
"Hah, I like having long hair. It's not as long as your Dad's or Anthony's, back in the day, but compared to a lot of guys, it's still long. When I start going bald", then I'll get a haircut", Josh laughed.
The mood after that night's show was both triumphant and wistful. Nika had gone onstage with the band and done Desecration Smile and Scar Tissue as the crowd went wild, having to play an extra encore since the crowd had demanded it. "John, we are going to miss you, you crazy, non-driving, cat-loving, spacy motherfucker", said Anthony, giving him a hug.
"Thanks, I still don't want to drive and I love my cats, but I'm not sure about the last part", he joked.
"Dad", teased Nika.
"Hah, I know. And have a safe trip, I'll be super-busy with mixing the album. And you better take care of my daughter, Josh", warned John, but his hazel eyes danced with amusement.
"I know, John. I suppose it's a Dad thing", laughed Josh.
The group and their crew went to the hotel ballroom which was set up for the end-of-tour party. The servers were preparing the food and a DJ set up in a booth in the corner as a bartender served soft drinks. The DJ started to play some old-school Northern Soul and funk as Nika's eyes widened in delight. "Strut your stuff, Night Owl", said Josh with a grin.
"Only if you do too", she retorted cheerfully.
Josh laughed as he allowed Nika to lead him onto the dance floor. The fat and furious music soon had everyone up and dancing as Nika performed some very acrobatic moves, her face flushed and her blue eyes sparkling. Josh managed to keep up and his eyes twinkled with laughter as he spun around in a tight circle at the same time as she did and watched as her denim skirt swirled up around her legs. The rest of the band and crew watched the couple dance as John looked on with pride and admiration. Barely two weeks ago, Nika had been a petrified little mouse terrified of performing; now she had gained confidence and played in front of an audience. He watched as she danced with Josh, seeing his two favorite people enjoying each other's company and happy together.
The music stopped and Josh held her close, his arms around her waist as he kissed her. "I love you, Night Owl", he murmured.
The End Thanks Tim for the encouragement and the reviews, now I have to concentrate on my thesis and papers so the sequel may be a while before I can start posting
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